HOW WE STRUCTURE OUR CLASSES
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Classes at the Hotspur School follow a simple set structure over two hours which allows students to learn Historical Combat skills in a flexible, fun and effective way.
We begin with a 10-minute warm-up, using exercises which develop fundamental principles of footwork and biomechanics, while also getting the body ready for the class ahead. This is followed by 15 minutes of solo drills, incorporating a weapon with various cutting and footwork exercises. Students then pair up with a partner for a series of drills where contact will be made with one-another's weapons, lasting half-an-hour. This will be based on what the student has already learned in previous lessons, allowing for knowledge to be continually reinforced. Following a five-minute water break, there is a 40-minute technical lesson where instruction will be given on a series of specific plays from a period fighting manuscript. The final 20 minutes allows students to then play with what they have learned in the technical lesson. All lessons end with the Hotspur School of Defence's own salute, as a means of acknowledging one=another with thanks for participating in the class. Students who have achieved the Rank of Scholar and above may alternatively use the second hour of any session for self-study in their elective weapons, or in free-fencing. All classes in the last week of every month are used for developing skills in the open fight, meaning students get to practice everything they have learned up to that point. During these sessions, bouts are fought between more experienced students, while those who are newer take part in controlled free-fencing. |
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